Consumers invited to vote for their favorites at ToyAwards.org -- now until January 17, 2016

NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2015 — (PRNewswire) — The Toy Industry Association (TIA) kicked off the holiday shopping season today by announcing the 84 finalists for the prestigious 2016 Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY), also known as the "Oscars" of the toy industry. Between now and January 17, 2016 consumers can visit
www.ToyAwards.org to vote for their favorite toy picks in each of the 12 categories and enter to win exclusive prizes. The TOTY winners will be announced in February 2016.

"From innovative toys that talk and fly to enriching playthings that teach and inspire, this year's TOTY finalists have brought joy, laughter and learning to millions of children and families," said Steve Pasierb, President & CEO of the Toy Industry Association. "The outstanding nominees are a testament to the toy industry's dedication to the happiness, healthy development, and well-being of kids around the world. We wish each TOTY nominee the best of luck and look forward to honoring the winners in just a few months!"

This year's finalists were selected from more than 700 nominees submitted by over 200 companies. More than 40 mass and specialty retail buyers, youth experts, academics, and journalists staffed the nomination committees that narrowed the field to the slate of finalists.

The winners in each of the 12 categories and the coveted "Toy of the Year" will be selected based on votes from mass and specialty toy retailers, media, TIA members and consumers. The "People's Choice" award winner will be selected solely by consumer votes.

The honorees will be announced at a TOTY Awards ceremony held on Friday, February 12, 2016 as the kick-off to the
113th North American International Toy Fair. The celebration will include the induction of Bob Iger, Chairman & CEO of The Walt Disney Company, into the esteemed Toy Industry Hall of Fame, as well as special festivities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Toy Industry Association.

The TOTY awards program supports the philanthropic work of the Toy Industry Foundation, which partners with generous toy companies throughout the year to bring brand-new toys to children in need. More information about the TOTY voting and selection process can be found in the "About the Awards" section of www.ToyAwards.org.

See the finalists in each category below. Online images are available at ToyAwards.org/Press

ACTIVITY TOY OF THE YEAR
Arts and crafts, construction and other indoor toys that inspire creative play through various forms of activity

Bunchems by Spin Master Corp.

Chocolate Pen by Skyrocket Toys

Roominate Amusement Park by Roominate

Shrinky Dinks Bake & Shape 3D Jewelry by Alex Brands

Strand Bands Designer Set by The Bridge Direct

Upcycling: Garbage to Glam by Fashion Angels

Yummy Nummies by Blip Toys

BOY TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys developed for boys of any age

Air Hogs Millennium Falcon Quad by Spin Master Corp.

Hot Wheels® Ultimate Garage by Mattel

LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens Millennium Falcon by The LEGO Group

Nerf N-Strike Modulus ECS-10 Blaster by Hasbro, Inc.

Sky Viper Video Streaming Drone V950STR by Skyrocket Toys

STAR WARS® Bladebuilders Jedi Master Lightsaber by Hasbro, Inc.

XPV HULK SMASH™ RC by JAKKS Pacific, Inc.

E-CONNECTED TOY OF THE YEAR
A physical toy or game that is app-enabled or otherwise interacts with a smartphone, tablet or gaming device

Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition by Disney

Hello Barbie™ by Mattel

Kidizoom® Action Cam by VTech®

Skylanders SuperChargers by Activision Publishing, Inc.

Stikbot Studio by Zing

View-Master® Virtual Reality Viewer by Mattel

Wonder Workshop Dash Robot by Wonder Workshop

EDUCATIONAL TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys that help children to develop special skills and knowledge through play

Foundation Chemistry Kit by Yellow Scope

Gears!Gears!Gears!® Build & Bloom Building Set by Learning Resources

Kids First Physics Lab by Thames and Kosmos

Magnets in Motion 61Pc Set by Magformers

Mighty Makers Fun on the Ferris Wheel by K'NEX Brands

Number Lovin' Oven by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.

VEX Robotics Robotic Arm by HEXBUG

GAME OF THE YEAR
Children's board, card, electronic or other physical game formats and puzzles
(does not include video games or apps)

INFANT/TODDLER TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys developed for infant children and toddlers (ages up to 36 months)

Bright Beats Dance & Move BeatBo by Fisher-Price

Bright Beats Smart Touch Play Space by Fisher-Price

Fold 'N Go Elephant Toy by Playskool

Lil Ocean Explorers 3-in-1 Adventure Course by Little Tikes

Play All Day Elmo by Playskool

Rolligo by Fat Brain Toy Co.

Storytime Theater™ by Tech 4 Kids

INNOVATIVE TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys that utilize innovative design, technology, or manufacturing processes to enhance play value

Flipsies™ Sandy's House & Ocean Cruiser by VTech®

i-loom by Wooky Entertainment

Laser Maze™ Jr. by ThinkFun, Inc.

Makey Makey Classic by JoyLabz

Meccanoid G15 by Spin Master Corp.

MiPosaur by WowWee

Star Wars Science - Jedi Force Levitator by Uncle Milton Industries

OUTDOOR TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys designed for outdoor play

Firetek Rocket by Zing

Maisto TECH Rock Crawler 3XL by Maisto – Bburago

Micro Mini2Go by Micro Kickboard

Nerf Rebelle Super Soaker Tri Threat Crossbow by Hasbro, Inc.

Nerf Super Soaker Floodfire Water Blaster by Hasbro, Inc.

R2-D2™ Bubble Machine by Imperial Toy LLC

Razor GFD Fury by Razor USA LLC

PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys developed for preschool-aged children (ages 3-5)

Design & Drill Brightworks by Educational Insights

Doc McStuffins Pet Vet Checkup Center by Just Play

Guidecraft™ IO Blocks® 114 Piece Set by Guidecraft

Miles from Tomorrowland Stellosphere by TOMY International

PlayTape by InRoad Toys

Razor Jr. Lil'Crazy by Razor USA LLC

Uptown Espresso Kitchen by KidKraft LLC

PROPERTY OF THE YEAR
Property that had the greatest success spreading its brand throughout the industry

Jurassic World (Universal Partnerships & Licensing)

Minions (Universal Partnerships & Licensing)

NERF (Hasbro, Inc.)

Paw Patrol (Spin Master Corp.)

Shopkins (Moose Toys Pty Ltd)

Skylanders SuperChargers (Activision Publishing, Inc.)

Star Wars (Disney/Lucasfilm Licensing)

SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys primarily distributed through specialty retailers

Boogie Board Play n' Trace Doodle Pad by Kent Displays, Inc.

Nursery Time Elmo by Gund

Sleepy Seas Sound & Lights Whale by Gund

SpinAgain by Fat Brain Toy Co.

SuperMax the Turtle by Cloud b

Tumble Trax™ Magnetic Marble Run by Learning Resources

Worry Eaters by The Haywire Group

About the Toy Industry Association (TIA) www.toyassociation.org / www.thegeniusofplay.orgFounded in 1916, the Toy Industry Association™, Inc. (TIA) is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. Over the past 100 years, TIA has led the health and growth of the toy industry, and today its 800+ members account for an estimated 90% of the annual $22 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Association serves as the industry's voice on the cognitive, social, emotional and creative benefits of play, and promotes play's positive impact on childhood development to consumers and media. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.